Tips for Dealing with Stressful Situations

When you’re dealing with stressful situations, whether they occur on the job, in a relationship, within a family, or when managing people in public places, it’s helpful to have a few strategies for coping with an uncomfortable situation.

Stressful situations can cause us react. But becoming angry isn’t the only way, nor is it the healthiest way, to deal with your current circumstances.

In fact, keeping your anger alive doesn’t solve the problem you’re facing, or the situation in front of you. Once the moment has passed, the unfortunate reality is that if you’re letting something really bug you, the problem is still there, and you most likely won’t enjoy the remainder of your day.

Dealing with Stressful Situations

First, remember that when you become angry, it’s almost impossible to see the other person’s side of the situation. You can talk to someone who’s not involved and share your side of the story, but then, you’re still keeping the anger alive. What you’ll end up with is an opinion from that person you just shared your story with. Is that really what you want—another opinion, or someone to take your side?

An impartial person will help you sort through your thoughts, your reactions, and the situation. That person you’re confiding in wants to help you get back to normal. The sooner you speak with a professional, apply some techniques, or resolve issues of power, the quicker your attitude and life will return to normal. However, that’s easier said than done until it becomes an automatic reaction when you are faced with stressful situations.

Another way to cope with stress is to write your feelings down on paper. Or dictate exactly how you feel and record it. This lets you express exactly how you feel. It’s a personal release for you without adding fuel to the fire by fighting with the person who you are upset with. You might not think of yourself as a writer, but it truly can help you learn about the situation. It may help you discover exactly what is triggering your anger and stress.

Taking Care of Yourself First

Have you ever been so mad at someone who wouldn’t get angry back at you and instead smiled and walked away? Yes, that might infuriate you, but who do you think is the healthier person? It’s not an easy thing to just “let go” of the stressful situation, and you certainly don’t want to keep your anger bottled up inside of you. But what if you could shake off your stress and refuse to let it invade your thoughts?

If possible, try to take a day off from work. Or, if you’ve been living under a tremendous amount of stress, plan a getaway vacation, just by yourself. Time and space often helps restore a positive attitude. Self care is important.

Prayer and meditation are also wonderful ways to handle stress and anger. They release your tensions and negative thoughts. It also helps you search your soul for answers, rather than trying to control everything in day-to-day life. Often, our worlds are wracked with ego and negative emotions.

Here are a few more tips to try, in no specific order: Get some exercise, listen to your favorite music, take a walk in nature, breathe deep, go see a movie, take a nap, or get involved in a community volunteer event. Stressful situations are only stressful when you allow them to be.

Kendall Van Blarcom is a senior helping seniors. Contact Van Blarcom Consulting today for help with your personal problems. Or, reach out to provide support for an older adult in your life.

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